Marking/Identification Help?

[CayugaMommy]

Hi, I am a first-time duck mommy with my Cayugas in the incubator. They are due to hatch on Monday (in 4 days).

I have 12 eggs, and throughout the whole incubation process, 100% of them have looked perfectly healthy. I couldn't be happier, but the problem is: how am I going to tell them apart?

I am leery of leg bands because I've heard stories about them becoming imbedded in the leg, and I am not about to punch holes in the webbing of their feet.

I had an idea that maybe I could put a dot of nail polish on their feet, a different color on each duck. Would that work? Or would it be harmful for them? Obviously I would need to reapply the nail polish every so often but my goal is to handle them a lot, so this wouldn't be a problem. This is really the only solution I can think of, since they are going to be solid black, so any markings on the feathers probably wouldn't show up.

Would my idea work? Or if it wouldn't, do you have any other suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[MightyDucksVT]

Others my disagree with me but DON'T do the nail polish! It does seem like a cute idea and good for identification purposes, but because of the sensitivity of the avian respiratory system I would advise against it. There is a reason that miners used to take canaries with them into the mines, as I am sure you know, but if the bird stops singing, looks sickly, or out right dies...the men would know to get their behinds outta there. This demonstrates how efficient their lungs are and the same goes for ducks, even perfumes, aerosols, and non-stick pans have a risk of making them sick.

If you are seeing them regularly then I don't see why not to at least try some plastic leg bands like these ones: https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/kuhl-10-plastic-leg-band-1000pk-10

You won't let them get embedded if you are handling them frequently like you mentioned.

 

[TLWR]

Go with the leg bands and just remove them and reapply every few days.

 

[CayugaMommy]

Others my disagree with me but DON'T do the nail polish! It does seem like a cute idea and good for identification purposes, but because of the sensitivity of the avian respiratory system I would advise against it. There is a reason that miners used to take canaries with them into the mines, as I am sure you know, but if the bird stops singing, looks sickly, or out right dies...the men would know to get their behinds outta there. This demonstrates how efficient their lungs are and the same goes for ducks, even perfumes, aerosols, and non-stick pans have a risk of making them sick.

If you are seeing them regularly then I don't see why not to at least try some plastic leg bands like these ones: https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/kuhl-10-plastic-leg-band-1000pk-10

You won't let them get embedded if you are handling them frequently like you mentioned.

Thank you so much, I didn't even think about the fumes. I was just worried about what the nail polish would do to their skin, but the fumes didn't even cross my mind. You're right, if I handle them frequently, the bands shouldn't cause any problems. I will definitely go with the leg bands.

Thank you for your help!

 

[charlindabob]

The plastic removable or spiral leg bands should work for you. Don't use Butt End leg bands until they are full grown. While growing be sure to check the bands weekly like someone said above.

 

[MightyDucksVT]

Thank you so much, I didn't even think about the fumes. I was just worried about what the nail polish would do to their skin, but the fumes didn't even cross my mind. You're right, if I handle them frequently, the bands shouldn't cause any problems. I will definitely go with the leg bands.

Thank you for your help!

The plastic removable or spiral leg bands should work for you. Don't use Butt End leg bands until they are full grown. While growing be sure to check the bands weekly like someone said above.

No problem! Like charlindabob posted getting some spirals and checking semi-regularly is the best way to go. I just ordered some spiral leg bands for my future duckies on ebay. They have smaller quantities and they're pretty cheap!